Info for new members

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Getting the most out of your Spice membership

Above all, Spice is about enjoying yourself – so remember to have fun!

You’ve taken your first step and joined Spice, and the next step is to come along to your first event. We know this can be a daunting prospect when you don’t know anyone else, but there’s no need to worry – Spicer’s are a friendly bunch! Most of us come to events on our own, so we are used to welcoming new people. We also remember 'our first time', not quite knowing what to expect! Please don’t worry. You have nothing to fear except from forming a new and exciting circle of friends – and meeting other people just like you!

A great way of ‘getting into’ the group is by doing a team or social event like Unihoc or Ten Pin Bowling, or any event where you are ‘doing something’. Even better, try a weekend away - this way you'll get to know a group of people really well. If you’re nervous about coming to your first event alone you can make use of our ‘buddy’ system. A buddy is one of our longer-term members who’ll meet up with you at the crucial first event. They’ll introduce you to members they know and answer any questions you may have. Just call us a few days before the event and we'll make the arrangements.

Heres a short video introduction to how the websites work:

Finally, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Spice membership. If you are unsure of any aspect of your Spice membership, please do not hesitate to contact your local office.

1. Allow plenty of time for your journey

All events start promptly. There is often engineering works on the railways at weekends or evenings, so do plan accordingly. Unfortunately, we can’t delay the start of events if a member is running late. It is not fair on the supplier and the other members who have arrived on time. If you arrive early you’ll be more relaxed than late and panicking!

2. Weekends

Nearly all our weekends are shared with other Spice groups. The lead group will show the exact number booked. All other groups sharing onto a weekend will only show the number of members booked from their particular group. The system is not linked, so if you see an event has low numbers, don’t be mislead into thinking you have plenty of time to book, as there are potentially 10,000 other Spice members throughout the UK thinking the same thing!

3. Sports nights

Sports nights are a great way to meet up with a regular group of friends in your area. All sports nights are aimed at the beginner, just come along and have a go.

4. Dinner shuffles

We close off our dinner shuffles a few days beforehand (check with the office), to confirm numbers and any menu choices to the restaurant. We try to ensure numbers are even on dinner shuffles, so unfortunately it is not possible to book you on at the last minute. The cost always includes a Volunteer Coordinator, who goes free to ensure the evening run smoothly. We aim to ensure that the price of these events come in lower than Dining Club organisations, and can do this due to the sheer volume of events we run.

5. The 5-day forecast

A lot of our members keep an eye on the 5 day weather forecast, especially for outdoor events. Once they know the weather is going to be fine, they book. This results in a rush of bookings. Time and again we experience events selling out and members being disappointed as they have not booked in time. If you do want to go on an event, please book in plenty of time, as it helps us manage numbers, and increase as necessary. Most events go ahead whatever the weather. We don’t let a bit of rain spoil our fun!

6. Theatre tickets

We tend to book theatre trips on Friday and Saturday nights, when group discounts are not available, as this is when the members want to have a night out rather than midweek. We also tend to book the most popular acts, which are often not discounted. Most theatre tickets do not include VAT, which we have to add on to the price of the event. Theatres also add a handling and service charge, which is why some prices appear higher than the public price. Our members are happy to pay this small extra charge as it means they will see a show with a group of friends, and not having to go alone, or miss out.

7. Comedy nights, greyhound racing and horse racing

We usually close off these events a few days prior for the number booked. We do occasionally have members dropping out, so it’s always worth going on the wait list, as you might get a chance to go.

8. 'Ceroc' and Dance Nights

These nights are a great way to meet up with a regular group of friends in your area. These events are open to the public, the advantage of booking through us is that you can access the Transport Share List, so you can arrange to meet up with those booked on it. We close Ceroc off at 12pm on the day of the event. This is to advise the venue of numbers. You usually can still attend the event, but you won’t be able to book through us.

9. Wait lists

It’s always worth putting your name on the wait list, as members do drop out of events (including weekends and holidays). We would rather an event went ahead full, so we always try to contact those on the wait list. Please note that once an event has reached its allocation its status becomes ‘wait list’. However, this doesn’t mean there is someone actually on the wait list. Only when someone adds their name to the reserve list does the wait list come into existence. You are under no obligation to attend the event if you put your name on the wait list.

10. Joining instructions

Most of our joining instructions are in the newsletter and on the website. We send out detailed instructions for weekends, which you will receive about 1 week prior to the event, usually by email.

11. Savings and discounts

Wherever possible, we pass these onto our members. This is most evident in our holidays. We offer huge discounts, particularly with our skiing trips.

We have a large array of discounts in the Spice Extras area. You can choose your money-saving rewards from our exciting selection of special offers and fun days out. Why not have a look - you could save £££s.  You will need to register but this is an easy and simple process. Then log in with your username and password and get saving!  

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